Weeding

Overnight rain made today's weeding productive.

Weeding is considered a chore by most. Admittedly, it is not especially interesting. I nevertheless find it peaceful. And today I spent at least three hours on my hands and knees clearing the north border.

On your hands and knees you have an opportunity to observe the garden floor in a way that is impossible from any other vantage point. There are what Arianna calls the "rolly-polly" bugs, spiders of various kinds - some with eggs sacks on their backs, others without - beetles, worms, ants . . . all alive in the soil. And then of course the different variety of weeds and their unique root structures - each of which require a subtle alteration in how you actually rid the soil of these unwanted plants.

For me, it's an opportunity to observe at close proximity a world wholly removed from the one in which I move about. After a while the anxiety lifts and I'm quiet . . . productive . . . and I suppose happy.

Nobody shares this time with me. Although I ask Arianna to help, I've only half meant it. Her revulsion at the thought of mud caked hands is more than I am prepared to confront right now. And as for Sharon . . . she did spend a few mornings two weeks ago clearing her Dad's vegetable plot. But, it's not for her either. I suppose I can't expect others to appreciate this kind of activity and the peace of mind it brings, can I?

Dragonfly at rest

Found Objects

We begin life with so many interests. Over time, for any number of reasons, our interests change or diminish altogether.

Arianna has had an interest in designing spaces for her dolls for a half dozen years now. Her activities at the base of the hickory trees in the backyard have been continuous. The "house" she constructed here is made of bark - large slabs of bark - leaves and grass.

Billy Elliot

As part of the theater class that Sharon's teaching, she accompanies her students to shows in town. Tonight was her last show - Billy Elliot, which has been lionized in the press to such an extent that when Arianna heard Sharon was getting tickets, she begged to go too. And so we made it a family night at the theater. Unfortunately, this show - irrespective of its rave reviews - is utter nonsense.

Thankfully, Arianna is still young enough and sheltered enough to not have any idea of the thematic content of the show. From her perspective, it's about a poor kid who wants to learn how to dance. And that's a good thing.

After the show, Sharon admitted that she didn't research the show's content sufficiently. Vulgar language, homosexuality, cross-dressing, and an over-arching theme of 'express yourself' do not make this appropriate entertainment for children. Period.

Still, her trek downtown to the Oriental Theater on Randolph Street in Chicago's Loop was exciting. As was her opportunity to see the venerable, old movie palace itself. And, as I said, she enjoyed the tap dancing considerably - even it was from a considerable distance. (Elgin Community College budget is such that our tickets were in the upper balcony!)

You come away from such an evening with a great deal of ambivalence. On the one hand, we want to expose Arianna to cultural events in Chicago. But, the quality of the events . . . .

Anyway, the evening was a nice time together.

BBK 88

Today Bruno is 88 years old.




I. A gift to satisfy Bruno's sweet tooth: M&Ms




II. Arianna gives Grandpa a bag a salted peanuts



III. An illustrated encyclopedia of the elements - a book Bruno will enjoy

It is a great joy to be able to buy the family dinner. This evening we treated Bruno and Uncle Lester and Aunt Myra to a wonderful meal at the Warsaw Inn in McHenry. Sharon even brought a whip-cream and fruit cake, which Bruno especially likes, and which our server put candles on.

A good time was had by all. Bruno and Lester joked with our server in Polish throughout the evening.




IV. Arianna snapped a picture of Bruno after supper




V. Arianna captured the two Kilarski brothers making jokes




VI. A family portrait, compliments of our server

Quiet Day

Still hot.

But not so hot that we couldn't get outside for a game of croquet.

Arianna gains confidence with each swing of the mallet . . .





But Sharon is V E R Y competitive!




As is Bruno . . .




What's this? Spectators. Who - upon close inspection - appear to be angry at our having a bit of fun in the backyard.




My girls are all smiles . . .

Long Weekend

A bright morning.

Stumbling about my bedroom this morning I note signs of a long holiday weekend.



What's this? Arianna's 3D glasses from yesterday's escape from the heat: a showing of Toy Story 3.



Invariably, Summer's are not spent as we'd like but as they must be spent. Every now and again a day off from work to play with the family.

The idea of a traditional, American family vacation is a luxury I cannot imagine ever being able to afford.

Thankfully, I'm able to push off to work. But, before I go, I spy my daughter sleeping in the sun room.

Summer Heat Descends

The dreaded heat of Summer has arrived and may remain with for some time. At least according to Tom Skilling.

But, this makes Arianna happy . . . . She thinks, "Pool!"



As night gathers in the yard, Arianna has decided to sleep in the sun room.



This old house aint got AC. So, when it heats up, it can become unbearable. Luckily the sun room (and the basement provides relief)



Good night Arianna and Curley . . . .

Independence Day 2010

A sunny, hot 4th of July.

After breakfast, Sharon and Arianna went over to the park to watch the annual parade of aging veterans, fire trucks, and neighborhood marchers, while I washed the dishes. KP finished, I joined them just in time to see the motorcade of riding mowers!

After the parade, Arianna and I ventured into the picnic grounds, while Sharon went back home to collect her Dad. Slow going this year. But, Bruno made the effort. Even more so than last year, Arianna and I played the games together. Well, I escorted her around the park; she actually played the games!



I. Each year the lines seem longer. But that doesn't dampen Arianna's spirit.




II. Dropping . . . er, tossing the ball into the can.





III. An eager participant waits her turn.





IV. Arianna demonstrates a keen eye...





V. ...and upsets the milk bottles!





VI. Arianna at the prize table.





VII. Having selected her treasure she attempts to win more Chinese baubles




VIII. Arianna looks on while others display their talents.

Although Sharon was not as keen to spend the afternoon at the park, the afternoon was fun-filled.

After supper, a movie . . . Avalon . . . which opens on July 4 and then fireworks.

Milwaukee County Zoo

We took another day trip to Wisconsin. This time, we drove to the Milwaukee County Zoo. Not too bad a drive . . . less than two hours. Certainly no longer than a jaunt into Chicago, but without the the stress of traffic.

Although smaller than the Brookfield Zoo, the Milwaukee County Zoo has a lot going for it. In it's woodland setting the greenery makes for a much 'cooler' visit than to the Brookfield Zoo, with all its concrete and asphalt. Another plus is that on Friday there were fewer crowds than we'd experienced at Brookfield. This meant that we could enjoy the animals without having along wait for others to give up their spot. A third advantage is that the zoo and its facilities are clean!



I. The Family




II. Elk feeding in the shadow of an oak





III. For a couple bucks, you can feed the giraffes





IV. Bears were up and frisky





V. Elephants pose for visitors